Newcastle make Real Madrid star Gareth Bale a priority

Spanish newspaper Marca have claimed that Newcastle United’s soon-to-be new owners have made Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale a main priority this summer – and can get the Welshman for just £17.5million.

Bale, 30, is expected to leave Real Madrid this summer having scored just three goals in 18 games – and developed a strained relationship with both the Real supporters and manager Zinedine Zidane.

The report states that Newcastle would be willing to meet his bargain asking price, as well as matching his current £285,000-a-week salary. However, despite a lack of minutes, Bale is happy and wants to see out his current contract – which ends in 2022.

The report suggests having a big name such as Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout could help, especially given Pochettino said during his Tottenham days: "He’s a great player – a player that would improve our squad and the profile that we’re looking for."

A takeover always promises big transfers and to get fans on side, normally a new-look board looks to pull off a big-name signing – Manchester City’s new owners did it with Real Madrid superstar Robinho.

So, bringing in Bale would be a stunning signing – not only because the ex-Southampton star is clearly one of the world’s best players when in form. But also, because Bale would galvanise and excite the Newcastle support.